Naomi Osaka pays tribute to Japan in white kimono at Wimbledon
Naomi Osaka once again captured the spotlight at Wimbledon, not only for her tennis but also for a memorable fashion statement inspired by her Japanese heritage.
The four-time Grand Slam champion arrived for her opening-round match wearing an elegant all-white kimono, carefully designed to respect Wimbledon's famous all-white dress code while celebrating one of Japan's most iconic cultural symbols.
Osaka later defeated France's Elsa Jacquemot 6-1, 7-5 to book her place in the second round.
A celebration of Japanese culture
Explaining the inspiration behind her outfit, Osaka said Wimbledon immediately made her think about tradition and heritage.
"When I think about Wimbledon, it's obviously the all white. There's obviously the tradition of it all," Osaka explained.
She revealed that her Japanese and Haitian background influenced the concept, with the kimono becoming the obvious choice.
"If I dive deeper into Japanese culture, I think about the most iconic silhouette, which for me is a kimono."
Osaka emphasized that the design was intended to express "love and respect to Japan" while remaining faithful to Wimbledon's traditions.
Inspired by Kill Bill
The former world No. 1 also revealed an unexpected source of inspiration. Osaka recalled being captivated by Lucy Liu's character in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill, particularly her striking all-white kimono.
"I remembered absolutely falling in love with Lucy Liu's character. She has an all-white kimono, and I remember thinking that was really cool."
That cinematic influence blended with her own cultural identity to create one of the most talked-about player entrances of the tournament.
Fans left stunned
Because Osaka was scheduled on an outside court, she walked through public areas on her way to the match. The reaction from spectators was immediate.
"I could feel when I walked by someone, they would physically turn their whole body," Osaka said with a smile. She added that many fans complimented the outfit, calling it "a really beautiful kimono."
The unique entrance quickly became one of the standout moments of the opening week at Wimbledon.
Fashion has become part of Osaka's identity
Osaka has developed a reputation for bold fashion choices throughout the 2026 season. Earlier this year she wore:
- A jellyfish-inspired outfit at the Australian Open
- A shimmering gold dress at the French Open that she compared to "the Eiffel Tower at night"
- A traditional white kimono for Wimbledon
Her creative outfits have become almost as anticipated as her performances on court.
Success brings more opportunities to wear them
While fans admire the elaborate designs, Osaka admitted they also create extra motivation.
"I wouldn't say it eases my nerves because a little part of my mind wants to do well so I can continue wearing them," she said.
She joked
SportsLigue
